New Animal Laws Passed In 2003

There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages shall arise against, a veterinarian licensed to practice in this state who, in good faith and in the normal course of practice, reports suspected cases of cruelty to animals, as defined in sections 352 and 352a of Title 13, to any humane officer or officer as defined in subdivision 351(4) of Title 13 or local board of health officer or agent.

There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages against, a veterinarian licensed to practice in this state who accompanies a humane officer during the execution of a warrant pursuant to section 354 of Title 13, or evaluates the health of and provides medical attention to, including a decision for euthanasia, an animal brought to that veterinarian for health assessment, pursuant to section 354.

There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages against, a veterinarian licensed to practice in this state who inspects premises or orders a quarantine pursuant to section 3682 or 3683 of Title 20.

Sec. 102a. 20 V.S.A. § 3906 is amended to read:

§ 3906. LICENSING OF PET MERCHANTS

No person may transact business as a pet merchant, as defined in this chapter, unless a license for that purpose has been granted by the commissioner to that person. Application for the license shall be made in the manner provided by the commissioner. The license period shall be April 1 to March 31 and the license fee shall be $30.00 $150.00 for each license period or part thereof.

Pursuant to the authority granted to the commissioner of the department of agriculture, food and markets in section 1 of Title 6, the commissioner may contract with local veterinarians to provide services to the department to assist in the regulation of pet merchants.

Sec. 102b. REPORT

The department of agriculture, food and markets shall work with the Vermont animal cruelty task force to develop recommendations no later than January 15, 2004 for improving the existing system for licensing pet merchant facilities. The department of agriculture, food and markets shall report the recommendations to the house and senate committees on agriculture no later than January 15, 2004.

Sec. 102c. APPROPRIATION

There is appropriated $25,000.00 in general funds in fiscal year 2004 to the special fund established in section 3914 of Title 20 for the purpose of licensing pet merchants.